Sports Bulletin

By BIPIN DANI Former Sri Lanka captain and wicket-keeper batsman, Kumar Sangakkara, who led the MCC team to Pakistan and scored a T20 fifty (at the age of 42 years 115 days) can break the world record, believes the present record holder Kaleem Shah. On Wednesday, the first non-British president Sangakkara scored 52 runs against Multan Sultans team.  In last November, Mozambique's Kaleem Shah hit 72* against Malawi when he was 43 year-219 days. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Mozambique, the senior team captain Kaleem Shah said, "if Sangakara breaks my record it will be a great honour for me that my name will be written with this legendary cricketer". Present Pakistani coach Misbah-ul-Haq had also registered a fifty in T-20 at the age of 42 plus. "I am feeling great to see my name with legends.. Sangakara is the favourite player of millions including me too and I love him the most". "This record is definitely nothing for both legends but because of their names its really proud moment and proud feelings for me". "If it was only to score fifty or hundred then he can break any record but here luckily our age is helping us and both of us are playing so it will be very interesting how he carries forward". "My best wishes for him and just want to meet him as a friend", Kaleem Shah signed off. Interestingly, the captain Kaleem Shah had eight Under-19 players in his national side last year.

SB News KARACHI (February 21, 2020):-Mohammad Hasnain’s maiden four-wicket haul and Azam Khan’s first-ever half-century helped Quetta Gladiators to begin their title defence with a three-wicket win over Islamabad United in the opening match of the HBL PSL 2020 at Karachi’s National Stadium. Hasnain returned four for 25 in his four overs which played a crucial role in bowling out Islamabad United for 168 in 19.1 overs after Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed opted to bowl. The right-arm pacer was supported by Ben Cutting and Sohail Khan who took three and two wickets respectively. With 64 runs from 40 balls, Dawid Malan, who hit five fours and three sixes, was the top-scorer in Islamabad’s innings. Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi, who opened the innings, had the second best score of the innings (23 off 13). Quetta Gladiators chased down the target with nine balls spare as Azam, playing only his second T20, scored 59 off 33, hitting five fours and three sixes. The 21-year-old crafted a crucial 62-run partnership with his captain Sarfaraz (21 off 18) to help Gladiators recover from 26 for three. Mohammad Nawaz and Cutting chipped in with 23 off 13 and an unbeaten 12-ball 22 respectively down the order. For Islamabad, Musa Khan, the Pakistani international, took three wickets for 34 run, while bowling a maiden in his four overs. Akif Javed, Faheem Ashraf and Amad Butt picked up a wicket each. For his exploits with the ball, Hasnain was named man of the match. On Friday, Karachi Kings take on Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium, Karachi, while Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans lock horns at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Scores in brief Islamabad United 168 all-out, 19.1 overs (Dawid Malan 64, Luke Ronchi 23, Faheem Ashraf 20; Mohammad Hasnain 4-25, Ben Cutting 3-31, Sohail Khan 2-21) Quetta Gladiators 171-7, 18.3 overs (Azam Khan 59, Mohammad Nawaz 23, Ben Cutting 22 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 21; Mohammad Musa 3-30) Result Quetta Gladiators won by three wickets

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-Khadija Tul Kubra and Jahanara Alam inspired Bangladesh to a morale-boosting five-run victory over Pakistan in the final ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 warm-up fixture at Allan Border Field. Javeria Khan of Pakistan plays a shot during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at Allan Border Field on February 20, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. Despite three run-outs, Murshida Khatun steered Bangladesh to 111-8 An electric fielding performance, including a sensational catch from Fargana Hoque to dismiss Javeria Khan, helped Bangladesh to a five-run win Pakistan’s opening game comes against West Indies on 26 February in Canberra and Bangladesh take on India in Perth two days earlier Bangladesh, who chose to bat in Brisbane, couldn’t find freedom but Murshida Khatun made 43 to lift her side to 111-8 from 20 overs. Pakistan couldn’t stitch together any meaningful partnerships in reply with Javeria Khan’s 41 the lone hand. Bangladesh’s top order were decimated in the second over as Shamima Sultana (3) mistimed a sweep to be caught behind off Anam Amin and a mix-up led to the run-out of Sanjida Islam (0). Promising keeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty couldn’t make an early impression when Murshida’s straight drive was deflected onto her stumps by Aiman Anwer, run out backing up for 13. Murshida, set to make her T20 World Cup debut this month, heaved back-to-back boundaries and found her most reliable partner in Fargana Hoque. Fargana’s 21 saw the pair club together for 52 before Murshida was run out by Diana Baig in the 14th over. Pakistan kept things tight late on and the momentum swung their way when Aiman Anwer took two wickets in two balls in the final over. Bangladesh skipper Salma Khatun and attack leader Rumana led an early assault as Pakistan succumbed to 23 for three after three overs. The dangerous Bismah nicked off while driving, as did opener Ayesha Naseem on one of her first appearances for her country. The experienced duo of Javeria and Nida Dar offered temporary respite with a partnership of 27, the opener pulling to the boundary in the fifth over and Dar clearing long-on with a six in the seventh. Javeria kept fighting the tide and turning over strike but Nida could only find mid-wicket on 14 and when Iram Javed departed cheaply it was 59 for five. Javeria, who has featured in every edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, peeled off successive fours in the 15th over to give her side hope but was sensationally caught on the long-on fence by Fargana Hoque, the crucial moment that settled the match. From there, it was all Bangladesh and three wickets in her final two overs saw Jahanara seal the victory in emphatic fashion. Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun said: “This win will give us a lot of confidence as we look to make a strong start to the tournament. “We were happy with our batting performance but we struggled in the last five overs, our run-rate was not very good, so that’s something we’ll look to work on and we didn’t bowl our yorkers well either at the death. “This match was a great opportunity for us to reset and rethink ahead of the World Cup.” Pakistan top-scorer Javeria Khan said: “We’re a bit disappointed. We made mistakes at crucial times. It was a good practice, but not the result we wanted. “We offered them plenty of bad balls and this is why they were able to get above 90, we didn’t field up to the mark either. “I got some runs but they don’t count if your team doesn't win. I'm annoyed with the way I got out, I should have finished the game for the team, and next time I will make sure I make the most of the opportunity.” Bangladesh beat Pakistan by five runs, Allan Border Field, Brisbane Bangladesh 111-8, 20 overs (Murshida Khatun 43, Fargana Hoque 21; Aiman Anwer 2-12) Pakistan 106 all out, 19.4 overs (Javeria Khan 41; Jahanara Alam 4-22, Khadija Tul Kubra 3-11)    

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-Alot has changed since I was playing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The biggest difference is people are now aware of what’s going on with their national team. When I broke the world record for the highest individual Test score in 2002, people didn’t know about it unless they were going out to buy the newspapers. Former India Test and ODI captain Mithali Raj says women’s cricket has come on leaps and bounds since she made her debut in 1999. Raj believes Thailand’s appearance in Australia could completely transform the landscape of women’s cricket worldwide She predicts India to put up a good fight against Australia in Friday night’s tournament opener at the Sydney Showground Stadium. But now, it’s seen by everyone all over television and on social media – a lot has changed not only in how people get their news but their desire for women’s cricket. We rarely got good grounds to play on back in our day. For example, at the 2000 World Cup we played at Lincoln University – quite different to the situation today where the top stars are getting to play at historic grounds like the MCG or the WACA. We used to travel to different places all over the world to play but barely got any time to acclimatise. There was no travel or daily allowance, nor a physio or strength and conditioning trainer to look out for the fitness. We travelled to matches with just our head coach and manager and just didn’t have any form of cushioning. Back in my day, we only had male players as inspiration because that’s all we used to see on the television. Today a young girl can have a role model in the form of a female cricketer and I think that’s the biggest chance I have seen. I am very excited for this ICC T20 Women’s World Cup. The coverage and the reach of women’s cricket has grown so much since when I played in the 50-over World Cup in 2017, which is what is making it more popular. And it’s not just the social media hype around it. For the first time, I don’t think there is just one contender, but four or five teams who could win it. The gap between the top and bottom teams is closing. You can’t go by the practice matches alone, but it does give you a rough indication of how the tournament could play out. Take Sri Lanka beating England for example — there is a possibility that could happen again. India also did well to chase 170 against the hosts Australia in the tri-series, where there were all sorts of different results. When you see these scores, and tight games, there is so much more quality now in the game, even just since the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Of course, they weren’t in a World Cup format but these glimpses show that the gap is closing. I think Australia go in favourites but we can’t push every other team aside. Teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh can compete too. I am curious to see how Thailand fair against the big sides in their first ICC tournament. Women’s cricket has come of age getting a team like Thailand in to play the top nations. This tournament will reach out to non-cricketing nations because of Thailand. They do not have a huge cricket culture there, but having a team playing at an ICC tournament will help people in Thailand become interested in the World Cup and countries, which have never been into a team sport like cricket will be inspired by their journey. There isn’t long left until the tournament gets underway and India’s opener against Australia is definitely one of the matches I’m looking forward to the most. Australia go in as favourites, but India will be no pushover. They have some very talented players and I think it will be a very close, high-scoring game. In the T20 format, you can’t really predict a winner because it all depends on how the main players perform on that particular day. Both teams have exciting players, particular in the batting units, and it will be a case of whoever can score the runs that their country need on the day. I do think Australia have the advantage because of their T20 record and have a slightly better chance of winning the first game against India but no matter what, it’s going to be a very exciting way to open the tournament.

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-After the conclusion of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s week-long tour of Lahore, Kumar Sangakkara, the President of the prestigious MCC and captain of the club’s touring squad to Pakistan, has said that he would love if more international teams consider touring Pakistan so international cricket in the country can be resumed in full force. The MCC arrived in Lahore on 13 February to play a 50-over and three T20-over matches. Over the course of their stay, the visitors explored the city by playing golf, visiting the historic Lahore Fort and enjoying dinners across Lahore. Speaking to PCB Podcast, which is available here for free listening and downloading for editorial purposes only, the batting great said: “It's been great to be back in Pakistan. “It's been a long time since I came here and it has been even longer for the MCC. For us, it has been about coming here and playing cricket in support of Pakistan's journey of getting international cricket back. “It's important that, when you are in a country on a tour, you're not confined to a hotel, but you can go around and enjoy the city and the country you're in. “It is excellent for us to get to the [Lahore] Gymkhana golf course quite a few times. The players absolutely loved it. We were hosted with some amazing hospitality and warmth. “The message we will be taking back is about the warmth of the people, the welcome of the fabulous spectators who came to watch cricket, the passion the players and people have for it and our own experiences of playing here and traveling about in Lahore. “We would love for teams to consider coming here so that international cricket can finally come back to Pakistan in full force.” In the last three months, Sri Lanka have played two Tests – in Rawalpindi and Karachi – and Bangladesh have been here twice for a three-match T20I series and a Test in Rawalpindi. With the fifth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, commencing today, being hosted in Pakistan for the first time since the advent of the league, the MCC’s visit rubberstamps the country’s ability to host international cricket. “It is important things are put into context, moves are made, minds meet and things are reconsidered because the message that we take back is that Pakistan is a great place to tour,” Sangakkara said. “I remember all those matches that I've played here but it's always special to come back and revisit it. We never expected such a big crowd for a first game against the Qalandars. When we got to the ground, we had almost 19,000 people, hungry to watch some cricket. “We were really, really impressed and we're very, very moved and we understand very, very easily how much passion there is and how the lack of international cricket is not a great thing for Pakistan, for the people, for the players and for the financial status of the PCB.” Over the course of their matches – a one-dayer against Pakistan Shaheens and three 20-over-a-side contests against HBL PSL franchises Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans and domestic T20 champions Northern – the MCC have played against some of the most exciting prospects in Pakistan’s domestic circuit. Sangakkara – who has 12,400 Test runs, the most for any Sri Lankan batsman – praised the young talent in country. “I think Pakistan cricket is in a very healthy state,” he said. “Pakistan has always produced exceptional cricketers, especially young cricketers with a lot of variety; really fast bowlers, really good batsmen, mystery spinners, wrist spinners, you name it. On this trip it was no different. “There were so many players from the Qalandars’ side who were exciting and orthodox. In the Northern, the domestic T20 champions, you had exciting players. In the [Pakistan] Shaheens, you had some really good batsmen.” There is a divide in the global cricket fraternity regarding the future of Test cricket and whether four-day Tests should replace five-day contests. When the question was put to Sangakkara, he said: “It doesn't matter where you emotionally stand. Whether I love Test cricket? Yes, of course, without a doubt. It is my favorite format. Should it be five days? Yes, of course, it should be five days. “But, the reality is slightly different here. And we need to ask how many Test matches really go into five days? How many people are now actually coming to the ground to watch five days of cricket? Or whether there is a realistic possibility into the future of them coming with the time constraints of a modern society? “In certain countries we have the average age of a cricket fan of 45-plus which is not a healthy sign. It is a complicated thing on how we attract a cash-rich time-poor younger demographic of people and younger players to the game and also keep the established fans interested. It is a complicated thing. “Day-night Tests have been mooted and various other innovations have been brought to keep the crowds in the stadiums for Test cricket. “And, it is not just about the big sides that play, it has also been about the slightly lesser sides that have had the Test status. What does cricket mean for them? Five days of cricket for certain sides and four days for others, that’s not a healthy way to go forward either. “It is debate that will go on for some time but the solutions have to be practical and equitable. It has to be fair to the spectators, to the sponsors, to the TV networks that bring in so much money into this sport and also to the players. So it is not an easy answer and a lot more thought has to go into it.”

SB News KARACHI (February 20, 2020):-All-rounder Anwar Ali will replace Umar Akmal in the Quetta Gladiators’ line-up for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 following the event’s technical committee’s approval. The technical committee is chaired by PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan and it includes Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem. The 32-year-old comes in as a Silver category player. He has turned out for Quetta Gladiators in all previous editions, scoring 191 runs and taking 23 wickets in 32 HBL PSL matches. Quetta Gladiators, the defending champions, will begin their title defence tonight with the opening match of the fifth edition against two-time champion Islamabad United at the National Stadium, Karachi, at 9pm.  

SB News KARACHI (February 20, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee held its first meeting of 2020 under the chairmanship of former Test spinner Iqbal Qasim. Wasim Akram, Umar Gul, Urooj Mumtaz, Ali Naqvi, Wasim Khan and Zakir Khan (both co-opted members) attended the session. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and Haroon Rashid, Director – Domestic cricket operations, attended the meeting on special invitations. The cricket committee recommended the PCB should explore a window in the 2020-21 domestic cricket to slot in a tournament for the departments. In this relation, Director – Domestic cricket operations, Haroon Rashid, has been requested to look into the potential window in the next season and update the cricket committee at the next meeting, which is expected in April. Haroon briefed the committee that the PCB has hosted 12 tournaments, comprising 190 matches, in the season to date. His presentation also included learnings, such as quality of practice facilities, food provision for players, player remunerations and standard of wickets, amongst other areas. The committee requested that updates on the areas for improvement be provided at the next meeting in April. The cricket committee appreciated that the quality of cricket this season had vastly improved, which has also been acknowledged through player feedback. There was a discussion on the appointment of the six Cricket Association coaches and the process that will be adopted for analysing and assessing their performance. It was agreed that further investment in developing the knowledge, skills and capabilities of the elite coaches was needed in order to adopt more modern practices. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan briefed the committee that a more through fit for purpose and revised No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy for players had been developed. The committee supported the revised NOC policy, while requesting that the PCB should fully and strictly follow it to ensure that Pakistan’s elite cricketers continue to give precedence to domestic tournaments above all else. The committee had a healthy discussion with Misbah-ul-Haq, who appraised them on his selection policies, performance of the side and forward planning. The cricket committee recommended more clarity around the selection process. Misbah informed the committee that he had developed a nucleus of players, especially across Twenty20 cricket. The former captain added the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will help him give final shape to his pool of players for this year’s Asia Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Urooj Mumtaz, who is also head of women’s wing and chair of the national women’s selection committee, provided an overview and update on the progress women’s cricket have made in the past 12 month. She informed the committee about the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held from 21 February to 8 March. Pakistan will play their opening match against the West Indies on 26 February in Canberra. Urooj briefed the committee on the ICC’s decision to introduce the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket World Cup, which will help in identifying and developing young talent and nurturing them into word-class cricketers. The committee congratulated Urooj on the progress being made. The committee insisted more investment, effort and work was needed to further promote and develop women’s cricket.

SB News KARACHI (February 18, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee will hold its first meeting of the year tomorrow, 19 February, at a local hotel in Karachi. This will be the first of the four gatherings that the revamped committee, under Iqbal Qasim, will hold in 2020. Some of the items on the agenda of the meeting are: i)                    Presentation by Misbah-ul-Haq, chief selector and head coach of Pakistan national men’s team, on the team’s performance since his appointment ii)                  Update on women cricket by Urooj Mumtaz iii)                Review of the domestic season and of ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson’s report

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 18, 2020):-HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, the biggest cricket spectacle in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, will carry mammoth prize money of US$1million, it was announced today (Tuesday). The winners of the 22 March final under Gaddafi Stadium lights will collect a cheque of U$500K along with a glittering and brand new trophy, while the runner-up will receive a cheque of US$200K. In addition to the above, there will be number of other cash awards, including U$4,500 each to all the 34 player of the matches. Furthermore, US$80K will be equally distributed to player of the tournament, best batsman, best bowler and Spirit of Cricket. The remaining amount will be distributed for other match-related awards like best catch, best run-out and most sixes. The 34-match 32-day HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be the biggest cricket extravaganza to take place in Pakistan and first since the six-team Asia Cup 2008. Twelve years ago, the then four Test playing countries were joined by the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong in a 13-match tournament in Karachi and Lahore. Sri Lanka had defeated India in the final at the National Stadium by 100 runs. Prior to this tournament, Pakistan had staged the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1987 and 1996. In 1987, Pakistan had hosted 10 matches at seven venues, while 16 matches were played at six venues in 1996. Although a domestic tournament, the six-team HBL Pakistan Super League will be held across four venues with Karachi staging nine, Lahore 14, Rawalpindi eight and Multan three. The opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be held between defending champions Quetta Gladiators and two-time former winners Islamabad United at the National Stadium and will commence at 9pm following an attractive opening ceremony, which will begin at 6.45pm.

By BIPIN DANI Meher Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who turned Sri Lanka's "hero" in 2009 met Kumar Sangakkara during the recent trip to Pakistan. Former Sri Lanka captain and wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who happens to be the first Asian president of the world's most famous cricket club-MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) has taken his team to Pakistan to play one 50-over game and three T20 matches in Lahore. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Lahore, Meher Khalil said, "I met Sangakkara at the Aitcheson College ground in Lahore before the match. It was my pleasure to meet the legend". Incidentally, Sangajkkara was a member of the squad which was attacked by the terrorist attack on 3rd March in 2009. "It was Sangakkara's first visit after the incident and he did enquire about the country and wished me well". "We are fortunate enough to have a great cricketer in our country and I am sure he will encourage the other countries to come and play here". Meher Khalil had earned fame and success after saving Sri Lanka’s cricket team from a deadly 2009 attack in Pakistan. He was even invited by the Sri Lankan government and was accorded the VIP treatment during his stay in Sri Lanka.   "I could not meet Sangakkara during my Sri Lanka visit but I had met him in South Africa when he toured with the team there. I was employed in South Africa for a short period", Khalil added. Playing golf The 43-year-old Sangakkara also played golf in Lahore. “MCC team enjoyed a bright sunny day in Lahore with a game of golf” , the PCB official said. "President Kumar Sangakkara and other members of the squad were seen playing on their rest day", the official added.